Several species of turtles can be found at Minute Man National Historical Park, including the common snapping turtle, painted turtle, spotted turtle, and the stinkpot.
This time of year, it can be common to see turtles on the move, especially as expectant females roam in search of suitable nesting locations. If you see a turtle wandering away from the water, don’t worry – it isn’t lost! Turtles need higher ground to nest in because their eggs cannot be inundated with water while they are incubating, as the shells are porous and require gas exchange to survive.
Once a nesting turtle finds an acceptable location to nest, she uses her rear legs to dig a shallow nest and then deposits the eggs. Turtles will then finish the nest by pulling soil back over the eggs and compacting the soil with the back of their shell.
If you come across a female turtle laying eggs, be sure to leave her space to accomplish her important task. If she is crowded, she may abandon the site and attempt to find a new location, which is an additional energy drain and could involve crossing dangerous roads.
Turtle eggs generally hatch 65-90 days after they are laid. Good luck, little buddies!
Image above: A female snapping turtle laying eggs at the Park in spring 2025. Inset: a wee snapping turtle hatchling making its way down the Buttrick Gardens’ steps to the Concord River in Sept 2023.
Written by Michelle Lord, Biological Technician at Minute Man National Historical Park.
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